Micromeria microphylla (D'Urv) Benth.

Spice Flower In the field

Family: LABIATAE (LAMIACEAE)

Genus: Micromeria

Catalan common name: Tem bord.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

Uses and properties: Aromatic.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Chameophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Rocky surfaces and dry stone walls. Path and road sides.

Characteristics: A small bush with very narrow stems, rhomboid leaves that are usually reddish in colour on the reverse. It has many purple covered flowers at the top of the stems. Is very similar to Micromeria filiformis, and can be distinguished by flower colour, M. microphylla has white ones and its calyces have long hairs while Micromeria filiformis hairs are either lacking or much shorter. For many years this species, Micromeria microphylla was considered to be endemic and was known as Micromeria rodriguezii.